All articles tagged with #long range strikes
Ukraine claims its drones struck a refinery deep inside Russia as part of a broader push with long-range strikes against Moscow’s energy infrastructure; there is no independent verification of the target or damage, and Russia has not confirmed the claim.
Analysts say Ukraine is gaining momentum for the first time since the 2022 invasion, driven by drone warfare, deeper strikes into Russian territory, and disruptions to Moscow’s logistics and air defenses; Russia faces higher casualties and overstretched capabilities, with Kyiv’s improving strike capacity prompting talk of an inflection point, though the war’s final outcome remains uncertain in coming months.
Dutch analyst Patrick Bolder says Ukraine is gaining the strategic edge as Russia stalls, suffers losses, and Kyiv widens long-range strikes; he calls Zelensky's pre‑May 9 ceasefire proposal a master stroke, notes Moscow’s rejection, and points to a shift among European defense firms replacing American suppliers, suggesting momentum could push the war toward a conclusion this year if sustained.
Ukraine’s elite drone unit Madyar’s Birds, led by Robert 'Madyar' Brovdi, is carrying out long-range strikes deep inside Russia—hitting oil terminals, refineries and air defenses—which Kyiv says is reshaping modern warfare by making drones central to destruction, pressuring Moscow even as officials warn victory is not near and Russia struggles to replenish losses.
Ukraine’s ongoing long-range strike campaign against Russia’s rear areas reports significant hits on oil infrastructure and naval assets near Primorsk and Novorossiysk, with strikes also damaging loading facilities and triggering drone losses; analysts say the campaign is degrading Russia’s oil exports and revenues, though not enough to avert broader economic challenges. The fighting spans multiple fronts (Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and southern sectors) with intensified drone operations and indications of Belarusian-linked support for strikes, even as Russia redeploys air defenses in advance of the May 9 parade.
Russia is rejecting Ukrainian and European peace plans, while Ukraine continues negotiations with US and German officials. Russian forces face logistical challenges in maintaining multi-directional offensives, and Ukraine's long-range strikes are degrading Russian military infrastructure, including oil refineries and energy facilities. Recent advances and counterattacks are ongoing in various sectors of eastern Ukraine, with Russia focusing on consolidating control over Donbas and preparing for further offensives. The conflict remains intense with significant military and infrastructural impacts.
Russian forces are making incremental advances in Ukraine with heavy aerial bombardments and drone attacks, despite international calls for a ceasefire. The conflict continues to cause significant casualties and infrastructure damage, with Ukraine focusing on long-range strikes to pressure Russia into negotiations. Russia is also adjusting its recruitment strategies amid mounting losses, while both sides experience ongoing territorial and tactical shifts.
The US has secretly implemented a review process that effectively bans Ukrainian long-range missile strikes inside Russia using American weapons, including ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles, since late spring, amidst ongoing debates over military support and strategic policy. Despite recent remarks by Trump questioning Ukraine's chances in the war, the US maintains this policy, with Ukraine proposing a $90 billion weapons purchase to secure long-term US security guarantees. Meanwhile, Poland's role in supporting Ukraine has diminished due to domestic issues and military stockpile concerns.
Russia claimed to have shot down over 132 Ukrainian drones over Moscow and surrounding regions, prompting airport disruptions, while Ukraine reported downing 25 Russian drones. Both sides continue long-range drone strikes amid stalled ceasefire negotiations, with Ukraine proposing new talks and prisoner exchanges to achieve peace.
In a significant escalation, President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use US long-range missiles to strike inside Russia, crossing a "red line" set by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who warned it could lead to direct conflict with NATO. This decision also includes targeting North Korean troops allegedly in Russia, marking a potential first use of US weapons against North Korean forces since the Korean War. The move aims to create "facts on the ground" before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, amid a deepening crisis for Ukraine's military and ongoing global tensions.
Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has developed weapons technology capable of striking targets up to 400 miles away, following a bombardment of strikes deep into Russian territory. The attacks on several regions in Russia, including an airport near the border with Estonia and Latvia, damaged military transport planes and destroyed a fuel depot and a microelectronics factory. Ukrainian officials have not taken credit for the attacks, but Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation has confirmed the production of drones capable of such strikes. The long-range warfare has given momentum to Ukraine's military strategy, which had previously struggled to make progress in reclaiming invaded territory.
Britain has donated Storm Shadow cruise missiles to the Ukrainian air force, providing Kyiv with a substantial step up in capability to mount long-range strikes against invading Russian forces. The Anglo-French-developed missile has a range in excess of 250 kilometers and is particularly effective against hardened and buried targets. The donation of Storm Shadow missiles means the British are the first nation to supply Kyiv with long-range weapons. The move comes ahead of a long-expected offensive by Kyiv against Russian forces occupying parts of the country.